For Immediate Release
November 7, 2023
Amherst Forward Celebrates 2023 Local Election Results
Town-Wide Election Shows Strong Voter Support for Optimistic, Collaborative Candidates
Amherst, Mass. — Today, Amherst Forward celebrated the election of a diverse and collaborative group of candidates for Town Council, School Committee, and Jones Library Board of Trustees. Nine Town Council candidates endorsed by Amherst Forward won their district and at-large races include Mandi Jo Hanneke, Andy Steinberg, Lynn Griesemer, Pat De Angelis, Freke Ette, George Ryan, Heather Hala Lord, Ana Devlin Gauthier, and Robert Hegner. Deborah Leonard, Irv Rhodes, and Sarah Marshall won their bids for seats on the Amherst School Committee, while endorsees Farah Ameen, Robert Pam, Lee Edwards, Tamson Ely, Eugene Goffredo, and Austin Sarat won their seats in a contested election for Library Trustees. This was the third town-wide election to take place since Amherst voted to change its town charter in 2018.
“This election was proof positive that Amherst voters want experienced, collaborative, and optimistic town officials who will work hard to help Amherst thrive,” said Katherine Appy, chair of Amherst Forward. “Our volunteers knocked on over 1,200 doors and made over 1,000 phone calls, and during those conversations, voters shared their hopes for a vibrant community with affordable housing for all residents, thriving small businesses, well-resourced public schools, and safe, accessible roadways and sidewalks. Today’s election is yet another example of how positive civic engagement can better our community.”
“Our campaign volunteers and leadership team consist of hardworking parents, educators, nonprofit professionals, therapists, and retirees who are committed to making Amherst the best it can be for all residents,” said Laura Draucker, member of the Amherst Forward leadership team. “We’re so proud of the voter turnout, education, and engagement that our team and the candidates’ campaigns pulled together for this election.”
More than two dozen Amherst Forward volunteers spent several months sharing information with voters about candidates that the PAC endorsed as well as important issues to be considered by town government in the upcoming term.
“It’s hard to decide to run for public office in any community, and we are grateful that so many individuals continue to show an interest in representing the people of Amherst,” said Clare Bertrand, a member of the Amherst Forward leadership team and voter outreach. “We are confident that all those elected will work together to serve our town.”
Contact: AmherstForward@gmail.com
About Amherst Forward
Amherst Forward is a nonprofit, political action organization that advocates for and educates Amherst voters about the public decisions that impact their future. We believe in making forward progress on foundational infrastructure needs, creating a vibrant downtown, expanding affordable housing opportunities, broadening our tax base to normalize residential property taxes, and continuing to protect our open spaces. We are proudly volunteer-led, cap our donations at $52 per person, and do not accept donations from special interests, private businesses, or any individuals outside of Amherst. Learn more at www.AmherstForward.org.